About Us: The Native Wellness Institute


Our Goal is to serve as a resource for Native specific training programs and technical assistance services to Native people, communities and organizations.

We accomplish this goal by:

  • bringing together highly skilled Native trainers and consultants across the United States and Canada for conferences, workshops and other projects;
  • implementing a leadership training initiative that will strengthen the circle and prepare Native people for leadership opportunities; and
  • developing programs and services to meet other areas of need that impact the physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being of Native people


Executive Director
Jillene Joseph (Gros Ventre)

Executive Director for the Native Wellness Institute. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in community health education. Previous to Native Wellness Institute she directed the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board’s Project Red Talon for nearly ten years providing HIV prevention and other health promotion services to NW tribal communities. More info..

 


Administration

Pam James Joni Kickingwoman
Kim Just Shannon Kissinger



Board of Directors

Jillene Joseph (Gros Ventre) Executive Director for the Native Wellness Institute. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in community health education. Previous to Native Wellness Institute she directed the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board’s Project Red Talon for nearly ten years providing HIV prevention and other health promotion services to NW tribal communities. More info..
Charlie Tailfeathers Sr. (Cree /Blackfeet) NWI Board of Directors. With 20 years for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs where he assisted in creating a family wellness court system. He also served as a Victim of Crime Advocate, Elders Advocate & Juvenile Advocate. He has provided training & technical assistance to tribal court systems. He has provided Native wellness and healing training in Indian country for over 35 years. More info..
Regina Aguilera (Yaqui) Regina utilizes the combined philosophies of Eastern & Native cultures to encourage Native people toward wellness. She has her Master's degree in Oriental Medicine & specializes in acupuncture, herbology, and martial arts. She especially enjoys working with Native youth & adults in disease prevention & in promoting healthy lifestyles. More info..
Theda New Breast, M.P.H. (Montana Blackfeet) She is one of the pioneers in the Native Training field in addition to being one of the original committee members for the Men’s & Women’s Wellness gatherings. 1999 and was presented with the Hammer Award by Vice President Albert Gore for increasing government efficiency for her success in providing assistance to the Tribes. More info..
Gordon James (Skokomish) has twenty years of experience working in health and human services with Indian tribes and tribal governments throughout the U.S. and Canada and served four terms as the Chairman of the Skokomish Tribal Council. more info..
Pam James (Colville) received a bachelor's degree from Evergreen State College and is presently the co-owner of the company, Culture2Culture, which provides training & consulting services in the area of human growth and development.She co-authored, with her husband, the book "Coming Together in a Good Way". More info..
Robert Johnston (Muskogee Creek/Choctaw) has been serving the native community as a trainer since 2000. Raised in Arizona, he began working with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community as a Youth Council Advisor. Robert is a motivational speaker and entertainer. More info..
Cecelia Fire Thunder (Oglala Sioux) South Dakota-born, She is a licensed nurse, widely known as an advocate for wellness and women’s issues, & for her unique way of reaching the hearts of communities and people. Cecelia has co-written several healing and wellness curricula including the Gathering of Native Americans (GONA) for SCAP. More info..
Jay LaPlante (Blackfoot & Cree) is a founding board member of the Native Wellness Institute. For 19 years, he has provided training and technical assistance on community building approaches to prevent suicide, substance abuse, child abuse and neglect, HIV/STDs, and other social, health, education, and political issues. More info..